Royal Ordnance, Bridgwater

HC Deb 19 December 1997 vol 303 c383W

Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the future of Royal Ordnance, Bridgwater. [21123]

Mr. Spellar

The production of military explosives at Royal Ordnance, Bridgwater would cease if Royal Ordnance pic and the French company Societe Nationale des Poudres et Explosifs (SNPE) were to form the joint venture that the companies have expressed an intention of forming in the field of ammunition and military explosives.

If pursued, such a joint venture would need to be considered by the appropriate regulatory authorities and in consultation with the French Government. The strategic implications of any proposal would be examined with great care as part of that consideration.